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The interior of the Home Alone house is often likened to a scene from a Norman Rockwell painting, a comparison that production designer Kim Cauley embraced wholeheartedly. “When I envisioned the ambiance that would best capture Americana, Rockwell’s work immediately came to mind,” Cauley explains.
In her design, Cauley employed vibrant shades of green, red, and gold to create a striking contrast against the backdrop of snowy white. She likens her approach to that of a flip-book, where the thoughtful orchestration of color throughout the film imparts a warm ambiance. Her influences also included vintage Christmas cards, which added to the nostalgic atmosphere she sought to achieve.
With a tight schedule of approximately six weeks to bring the McCallister family’s home to life, Cauley expressed her passion for curating decorations that not only define a character but also collectively support the narrative visually. “I love selecting decor that contributes to a character’s essence, creating a cohesive story through its visual elements,” she mentioned.
When questioned about her sources for such an array of rich fabrics, wallpapers, and carpets, Cauley revealed her insider knowledge. “I also work in residential interior design, which grants me access to trade accounts at various stores,” she stated. “John Hughes desired a timeless and traditional aesthetic, so I focused on finding brands that aligned with that vision and fit my chosen color scheme.”
The Finishing Touches
Catherine O’Hara portrays Kate McCallister in Home Alone.
As audiences revisit Home Alone, they may notice subtle nuances that may have previously escaped their attention, which was precisely Cauley’s goal. “I intentionally included personal touches in the house’s clutter that may go unnoticed but felt right for the narrative,” she commented. For instance, a book detailing the care and feeding of spiders was placed on the kitchen counter, suggesting that Buzz had been momentarily distracted—from reading it to heading off for a snack.
Additionally, Cauley positioned holiday wrapping paper in the primary bedroom, hinting that Kevin’s parents, Kate and Peter McCallister, were in the midst of holiday preparations but had not found the time to tidy up. These thoughtful details coalesce to create a beautifully designed set, emblematic of this beloved holiday film, contributing to its enduring charm and appeal.
Source
www.architecturaldigest.com